BOONE, N.C. – As the beginning of the 2013-14 college hoops season rapidly approaches, Appalachian State University men's basketball began its preaseason preparation in earnest on Monday as the team conducted its first official practice of the year.

Despite being the first practice of the season, the team showed no rust as each player worked tirelessly during an intense two and a half-hour session. The Mountaineers began practice by running fast break drills before moving into position-specific sessions with the guards and post players.

Much of the time spent with the post players centered around rebounding and defense - particularly limiting second-chance buckets by the offense. The guards focused on running through Appalachian's set plays on offense while working on various rotations defensively.

The Mountaineers' returners looked in midseason form, particularly on the defensive end where they limited scoring chances throughout practice and came up with big defensive rebounds.

App State's three incoming freshman (Mike Kobani, Aaron Scott and Ty Toney) transitioned seamlessly into their first collegiate practice while transfer Jacob Lawson, who will redshirt this year per NCAA transfer rules, showed the skills that made him one of the top high school recruits in the nation.

Jason Capel, who enters his fourth year at the helm of the program, will bring back 10 players from a squad that advanced to the Southern Conference semifinals a year ago. The Apps return four starters from last year's team.

All practices are CLOSED to the public but appstatesports.com and AppState TV will post practice reports over the next month leading up to Appalachian's season opener at NC State on Nov. 8